Our headboard - Feature wall design
One of our finishing design touch was a bed head design which our ID engaged mrPCI for their wall special effects.
The term given for this was "travertino Hokusai waves" where the workers used some form of plaster and combed it to form textured wave effects.
The first time the workers came over to do it, they had completed it without my supervision and I wasn't too satisfied with the direction of how some of the waves at the right end flowed (2nd picture) My ID managed to get them to come back to plaster over and redo a new layer over. This meant that the textured effect stuck out a few millimetres over, so the lighting effect isn't as clear as before. The redone effects had waves that were slightly more consistent in their flow angle overall.
I have to admit that it was tough to carry out the waves in a way I desired because of how the wall was bordered on all 4 sides with the walls, beam and headboard. This meant that the combing had to be either close to parallel or perpendicular to the sides. Yet a part of me felt that the top part could still have a gentler yet wide arc.
Oh well, I guess you can call this "wabi sabi"...
When designing a bedhead feature wall, it’s important to consider the texture and flow to create a calming yet visually interesting focal point. Our journey with the travertino Hokusai waves technique involved several hands-on experiences that taught us valuable lessons. The first plastering attempt lacked the desired wave movement, especially on the right side. After requesting a redo, the subsequent layer created a more consistent wave pattern, although the texture slightly protruded, slightly softening the lighting effect. This process showed me how patience and communication with skilled artisans can greatly impact the final look. Due to constraints from the room's layout—with walls, beams, and the headboard framing the space—the wave patterns had to be carefully aligned, mostly parallel or perpendicular to these edges. Despite this, I wished for gentler, broader arcs on the upper section, but embraced the slight irregularities as part of "wabi-sabi"—the beauty of imperfection. For anyone considering a similar project, I recommend exploring plaster textured effects that complement your room’s style and layout. Japandi design favors natural, understated beauty, so choose finishes that feel organic rather than overly polished. Incorporating soft lighting can enhance the textured waves, creating warm shadows that change throughout the day. Overall, this feature wall has elevated our bedroom ambiance, combining aesthetics with tactile interest. Sharing this experience hopefully inspires others to experiment with creative wall treatments that reflect their personal style and embrace the imperfect charm of handcrafted finishes.
